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How to become a Phlebotomist

Phlebotomist

Career progression and salary expectations for a Phlebotomist

1

Phlebotomist

| Up to £21,000
2

Phlebotomy Team Leader

| Up to £23,000
3

Specialist Biomedical Scientist

| Up to £34,000

The role of a Phlebotomist

Looking for a career in Phlebotomy? It’s in your blood…

A Phlebotomist takes blood and other specimen samples from patients to send to laboratories for diagnostic testing. They work with adults and children of all ages, and are normally based in hospitals or private laboratories.

Their job additionally involves analysing samples by taking note of the cell count and blood type compatibility. The information they collect is then logged into the patient’s records, and reported back to the referring physician.

Other duties for a Phlebotomist include:

  • Interacting with patients to explain the process
  • Reassuring patients who feel nervous or uncomfortable
  • Drawing blood safely and efficiently
  • Taking into account the patients’ wellbeing whilst drawing blood
  • Labelling all samples with the patients’ name and date
  • Transporting samples to laboratories within specified timescales
  • Adhering to health and safety regulations to ensure samples aren’t contaminated
Excellent written and spoken communication skills are essential for anyone looking to become a Phlebotomist. It will be your responsibility to comfort distressed patients and show empathy – so a calming and reassuring nature is equally vital.

You’ll also need to be able to handle the practical nature of the job, and have good hand/eye coordination, as well as a steady hand.If you’re prone to fainting at the sight of blood, this job probably isn’t for you.

Other essential skills and attributes for a Phlebotomist include:

  • The ability to work well as part of a team
  • Good attention to detail
  • An in-depth knowledge of technical equipment
  • Excellent listening skills
  • A careful and methodical approach
  • The ability to handle confidential data with discretion
"Looking after people has always been my thing, and I wanted to find a job in the healthcare industry that didn’t require a large amount of studying (I’m more of a practical person). So I turned to Phlebotomy. Surprisingly, dealing with blood and needles isn’t an issue, and to be honest, it’s so much a part of my day-to-day job that I don’t even notice it anymore. Some patients are naturally uneasy at the sight of needles, so it can be a challenge to calm them down, but as long as I’m tactful, and distract their attention accordingly, everyone leaves the hospital with a sigh of relief combined with the words – ‘oh, it wasn’t that bad actually’."

Get qualified as a Phlebotomist

Formal qualifications are not always required to become a Phlebotomist, but employers often prefer candidates with at least a Level 2 or Level 3 Certificate in Phlebotomy or Healthcare Support Services. These courses cover topics such as venepuncture techniques, infection control, and patient care. Maintaining certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) and adherence to relevant health and safety regulations are also essential for practicing phlebotomy in the UK.

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